After making millions of dollars in the NBA, retirement offers the league’s brightest stars the ability to start a second life. Some decide to stay in the spotlight and work in television, while others invest their time and money into completely different careers.
Read on to see which former NBA superstars are now working normal jobs as truck drivers, farmers, or even UPS drivers.
Oscar Robertson – Affordable Housing Advocate
Oscar Robertson was ascendant during his 14-year NBA career. He retired as one of the league’s highest-scoring guards ever. Still, his greatest accomplishment was his work to create affordable housing for African Americans in Indianapolis.
For his amazing efforts to improve his community, the University of Cincinnati honored Robertson with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2007.
Detlef Schrempf – Business Development Officer
In college, Detlef Schrempf majored in International Business. As soon as his 16-year NBA career was over, he put his degree to good use, signing up to work for Coldstream Capital Management as a business development officer.
Schrempf has also dipped his toe into acting. He had a recurring role in Parks and Recreation.
Greg Oden – Sports Adviser
Greg Oden played for the Portland Trailblazers but retired after a short career due to chronic foot problems.
With his NBA career over, Oden took a job at Ohio State as the student manager of the men’s basketball team, which allowed him to go back to school. In 2019 he graduated with a degree in sports industry and accepted a job as the athlete adviser for Edyoucore Sports and Entertainment.
Brandon Roy – High School Basketball Coach
Many analysts believed Brandon Roy was on his way to a Hall of Fame NBA career when knee injuries forced him to retire young.
In 2016, Roy accepted the job as the head boys’ basketball coach at Nathan High School. He was awarded the Naismith High School Basketball Coach of the Year Award for his efforts. Since 2017, Roy has been the head basketball coach at Garfield High School.
Scottie Pippen – Livestock Farmer
One of the greatest Chicago Bulls of all time, Pippen retired in 2004 and instantly regretted his decision. He spent the next several years trying to make a comeback.
He eventually found a second career with his brother, co-owning a livestock farm in Arkansas. On the side, Pippen still makes appearances on television multiple times a year.
Dennis Rodman – Political Ambassador
Dennis Rodman has never stayed out of the public eye. After retiring, Rodman got into professional wrestling.
Once he couldn’t do that anymore, he became a political ambassador, making his first trip to North Korea in 2013. When he came home, he called Kim Jong Un a “friend for life.”
Bryant Reeves – Cattle Farmer
Injuries proved too much for the man Bryant “Big Country” Reeves to handle, so after six seasons, he turned to a quiet life of raising cattle on a farm.
Reeves currently owns and operates a massive 300-acre cattle ranch in Oklahoma.
Steve Francis – Entrepreneur
With nine NBA seasons to his name, Steve Francis ended his career to pursue other passion projects. His passion for music led to the formation of Mazerati Music, an attempt to start a hip-hop record label that was forgettable at best.
Following Mazerati Music, Francis started his own clothing line, We r One.
Dan Dickau – Barbershop Owner And ESPN Broadcaster
Dan Dickau is one of Gonzaga University’s greatest basketball players of all time, but his professional career only lasted six years. The former college star opened The Barbers in Washington to make a living.
The house of hair has become a neighborhood staple since its opening. Aside from owning and operating his own barbershop, Dickau is also an on-air personality for ESPN and the Pac-12 Network.
Charlie Ward – Head Coach
Charlie Ward played 11 seasons in the league, mostly with the New York Knicks. With his NBA career over in 2005, he turned to his love of coaching.
In 2005, he was named the head coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida. Since 2018, he has been the head basketball coach for Florida State University’s Developmental Research School.
Karl Malone – Truck Driver
Since leaving his first love, Malone invested his money into several businesses and even works as a part-time truck driver.
One of the businesses Malone has given money to is a timber hauler. Oddly enough, Malone’s interest in the company was both for business and pleasure. He drives trucks for the company part-time and has apparently become very passionate about the industry.
Adrian Dantley – Crossing Guard
Adrian Dantley had a 15-year NBA career that ended with him scoring 23,000 points and being inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 2010, he left the league for good and became a crossing guard.
Dantley also works as a referee for high school and recreational teams during his spare time.
Darko Milicic – Apple Grower
Taken with the second overall pick in 2003, Darko Milicic jumped around the league until calling it quits with the Celtics in 2012. These days, Milicic lives a quiet life in Serbia, growing apples.
Before settling into the simple life, Milicic trained to become a kickboxer in his home country. The violent sport wasn’t a fit for the big man, who preferred to wander up and down the rows of apple trees on his 125-acre farm.
Mark Blount – Auntie Anne’s Franchisee And Real Estate Mogul
Mark Blount entered the NBA in 1997 and made his long-awaited debut with the Celtics in 2001. After retiring in 2009, Blount bought two Auntie Anne’s Pretzel franchises.
After four years as a franchise owner, Blount sold his stores to focus on real estate opportunities. His initial $700,000 investment ended up earning him a $2 million payday!
Shawn Kemp – Sports Bar Owner
Shawn Kemp had a successful 14-year career in the NBA. After he retired in 2003, he opened Oskar’s Kitchen in Seattle.
In 2015, Kemp was forced to close the sports bar’s doors due to rent costs. Today, Kemp still works in hospitality as a part owner of Amber’s Kitchen in Seattle.
LaRue Martin – Community Services Manager For UPS
Four years into his career, however, LaRue Martin’s potential dried up, and he was out of the league. Needing a way to make a living, Martin took an entry-level job at UPS.
On top of his 9-5 job, Martin also works on the Board of Directors for the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
Vin Baker – Starbucks Manager
Vin Baker had an incredible 13-year NBA career. Sadly, he lost his fortune in retirement, going on to work as a manager at Starbucks and a minister at his father’s church.
Baker knows how working at a Starbucks might look to people on the outside, but has come to terms with that, saying, “I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they’re like ‘Wow.’ For me, I’m 43 and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces.” In 2019, Baker took a job as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Vinnie Johnson – CEO Of Manufacturing Company
NBA fans fondly remember Vinnie Johnson as one of the “Bad Boys” of the league. It was 1992 when he retired and found his true calling.
Johnson started Piston Group, a small manufacturing company that has grown into a multi-million dollar asset. Still working as the CEO, Johnson has proven he’s much more than just an NBA superstar.
Tim Duncan – MMA/Coach
Easily the strangest retirement choice on this list, San Antonio Spur legend Tim Duncan began to train as an MMA fighter since retiring.
Duncan also keeps plenty busy running BlackJack Speed Shop, an auto body shop he opened in 2013. In 2019, Duncan agreed to return to the Spurs as an assistant coach.
Michael Ray Richardson – Substitute Teacher
Michael “Sugar” Ray Richardson’s career started in the NBA but was cut short in 1986 when the commissioner banned him for life. Richardson continued to play across the globe, spending 14 years in Europe.
Once he retired in 2002, Richardson got into coaching for a few years until he found his second love; substitute teaching.
Derrick Coleman – Water Supplier
Despite a 15-year NBA career, his coaches labeled Derrick Coleman as lazy. However, after the end of his NBA career, Coleman has worked tirelessly to deliver water to families in need in Flint, Michigan.
He says, “That’s what I’m seeing. Distress. I’m seeing people who need help. I’ve seen the rust and everything that’s in their water. Flint is like a ghost town, and it’s sad… How can this happen here in America?”
Latrell Sprewell – Pitchman
After retiring in 2005, the controversial Latrell Sprewell was forced to foreclose his multi-million dollar houses, and he crashed his yacht.
All the drama led Sprewell to his new job, being a pitchman for Priceline. As part of his pitch to use the service, Sprewell admits to making bad life decisions.
Gilbert Arenas – Analyst
Gilbert Arenas was drafted with the 31st pick in the 2001 Draft and ended up earning $163 million over his career.
Since retiring, we wouldn’t say he has gone full 9-5, but he has stayed in business as a sports analyst for Complex, even hosting a Youtube sports show for them.
Wilt Chamberlain – Everything
Wilt Chamberlain retired from the NBA in 1973. At the time, he was the greatest to ever lace up on the court.
After he retired, Chamberlain ended up settling into life as a pitchman.
Kenny Anderson – Camp Director
In 2013, Kenny Anderson was arrested and charged with a DUI, which got him fired from his job as a high school basketball coach.
He eventually recovered and went on to run basketball camps in Florida.
Antoine Walker – Financial Advisor
Antoine Walker made a lot of money over his NBA career. In 13 seasons, he made over $100 million, but unfortunately, he filed for bankruptcy in 2010.
Three years later, Walker took a job with Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment to teach financial literacy to up-and-coming stars.
Jay Williams – Spokesman
Jay Williams was supposed to be one of the best to ever play in the NBA. Sadly, Williams got into a motorcycle accident before his career even began.
Since overcoming the tragic loss of his career, Williams has become a spokesman. He is currently the face of Visions Federal Credit Union. He also works on the side for ESPN as a college basketball analyst.
Adam Morrison – Coach
Adam Morrison’s promising NBA career was put on hold when he tore his ACL in 2007. Although he recovered, he never became more than a role player on the Los Angeles Lakers. .
After retirement, Morrison enrolled at Gonzaga to finish his degree in sports management, and he also took a position on the basketball team’s coaching staff.
Michael Jordan – Entrepreneur
Regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, former Chicago Bulls powerhouse decided to keep working. He now owns the Charolette Hornets as part of his job.
Besides that, he also works and makes deals with massive companies such as Hanes, Gatorade, and more. He also owns a car dealership and seven restaurants.
Rony Seikaly – DJ
Rony Seikaly had a very successful 11-year NBA career. Upon retiring, he embarked on his second life as a DJ.
Seikaly has played clubs in Las Vegas, Miami, New York, and Ibiza. He says he never intended to become a full-time DJ, but “the opportunity came organically and it seemed like it would be fun and it grew from there.”
Bill Walton – Sports Broadcaster
Bill Walton played for the Portland Trailblazers, winning MVP and two NBA Championships.
After retiring in 1987, he overcame a stuttering problem and became a successful NBA commentator for CBS, NBC, the Los Angeles Clippers, and ABC/ESPN.
John Stockton – Basketball Coach
During his career in the NBA, John Stockton was known as one part of a dynamic duo with Karl Malone.
After retiring from the NBA in 2003, he began a coaching career. While he was the assistant coach for the Montana State University Women’s Basketball team, he has also coached numerous youth basketball teams.
Tom Chambers – Sports Broadcaster
Tom Chambers was the NBA All-Star four times and had a 16-year career with six different teams.
Today, Chambers works as a broadcaster for Fox Sports Arizona where he covers the Phoenix Suns. He also breeds horses in Utah as a hobby.
Hakeem Olajuwon – Real Estate Dealer
Hakeem Olajuwon played for both the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors between 1984 and 2002, with back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. He was also known for mentoring some other incredibly skilled players of today.
Today, he works as a real estate dealer to continue to earn a living.
Shawn Bradley – Rancher
Shawn Bradley is known as one of the tallest players to step on the NBA court, especially during his time in the league. He spent the majority of his career playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
Bradley retired in 2005 and bought a massive cattle ranch. He also played a role in the movie Space Jam.
Mark Eaton – Restaurant Owner
Mark Eaton was a one-time all-star during his NBA career. Since retirement, Eaton has dipped his toes into several new career opportunities.
He has provided regional commentary on the radio for the Utah Jazz, and he opened his own restaurant in Salt Lake City.
Maceo Baston – Owns A Cupcake Store
After leaving the NBA, Maceo Baston traveled the world playing basketball in various countries.
He then started up a cupcake business with his wife called Taste Love Cupcakes in Michigan. Their business went on to compete in Cupcake Wars, taking home $10,000.
Junior Bridgeman – Coca Cola Distributor
Junior Bridgman played in the NBA from 1975 to 1987. He played for both the Lakers and the Bucks. After retiring from playing ball, he used his money and acquired 450 restaurant franchises, most of which are Wendy’s and Chili’s.
He eventually sold many of his restaurants in order to work with Coca-Cola, where he is now a distributor.
Ben Wallace – Owner
Ben Wallace was massively successful during his NBA playing days, and he played for 16 seasons.
After retiring, Wallace faced several legal problems that led to financial struggles. In 2018, Wallace paid his way into the Grand Rapids Drive ownership group of the NBA’s G-League.
Evan Eschmeyer – Attorney
Drafted into the NBA in 1999, Evan Eschmeyer spent four years with the New Jersey Nets. However, he struggled to get time in the game due to knee problems. He was forced to retire due to his knee in 2004.
He then returned to Northwestern University, where he played basketball and earned both a law degree and an MBA. He has since worked as an attorney, entrepreneur, and director of finance for Atlas Tower.
Caron Butler – Burger King Franchisee
Caron Butler starred in the NBA for 15 seasons before finally calling it quits in 2016.
After retiring, Butler became a six-time Burger King franchisee. In 2020, he also was hired as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat.
David Harrison – Stock Trader
David Harrison only played in the NBA for four seasons, but he let personal problems overtake his professional life and found himself at rock bottom.
After leaving basketball behind, Harrison took a job behind the counter at McDonald’s. He quit after two weeks. Today, he works as a stock trader.
Larry Johnson – Business And Operations Representative
After retiring from the NBA, Larry Johnson returned to college at UNLV where he got his bachelor of arts in social studies. The Knicks then hired him to be a business and operations representative.
In 2015, Johnson was forced to file bankruptcy when it was revealed he owed over $100,000 in unpaid child support.
Chris Webber – Investor/Actor/Author
A five-time NBA all-star, Chris Webber spent 16 seasons in the NBA.
When Webber retired, he didn’t stop. Not only has he gotten into broadcasting, but he also opened a restaurant, and an investment company and has ventured into writing a novel.
Bill Laimbeer
During his 15 year NBA career, Bill Laimbeer and his father started planning for life after the league. In 1994, they founded Laimbeer Packaging Corporation, which was located in Melvindale, Michigan.
Less than a decade later, Laimbeer got back on the court, becoming a coach in the WNBA.
Chris Washburn – Works For Mortgage Company
Chris Washburn was drafted as the third pick in 1986 and played for the Golden State Warriors but was eventually banned from the league due to substance abuse.
H4 decided to clean up his act in 2000, and he started a fried chicken business with his girlfriend. He now works for a home mortgage company.
Tony Parker – Musician
Tony Parker officially retired from the NBA in 2019 after a Hall of Fame-worthy 18-year career.
Off the court, Parker has pursued several post-career lifestyle paths, even dabbling as a rapper and releasing his own album in France.
Kevin Garnett – Actor
In addition to his broadcasting duties on TNT since retiring, Kevin Garnett also played himself in Uncut Gems, a movie that was met with critical and commercial praise.
For some former NBA stars, staying out of the limelight is just never going to happen.
